Mississippi Burning Movie Review

Mississippi Burning (1988)

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Written by: Chris Gerolmo
Directed by: Alan Parker
Starring: Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, R. Lee Ermey, Stephen Tobolowsky, Michael Rooker, Kevin Dunn, Frankie Faison, Tobin Bell
Rated: R
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Plot
Two F.B.I. Agents with wildly different styles arrive in Mississippi to investigate the disappearance of some civil rights activists.

Verdict
It's a hate crime in the '60s with the FBI called in. The problem is that the culprits are the local police force. With two agents, one by the book and the other with the mindset of getting the job done, they have to figure out how to bring the cops down. How do you stop a group operating outside of the law without doing the same? That's where the two agents butt heads.
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Review
The very first scene is striking, featuring two water fountains with signs as to who can use them. It's an uncomfortable movie, and it's supposed to be. Being based on a true story makes this all the more impacting. It's about hate and how it manifests and perpetuates.

FBI agents Ward (Willem Dafoe) and Anderson (Gene Hackman) are called to investigate a missing person's case. The cops makes it clear they don't care as the people missing were social rights activists. When Ward tries to talk to someone at a local diner, he refuses to talk. We soon learn why. Despite the local refusing to speak to the FBI, he's still attacked. It seems like it's the cops, and it's clear who runs this town. The cops are brazen enough to attack the FBI directly.

Gene Hackman Willem Dafoe play Agent Anderson, Agent Ward

Ward is by the book, proper procedure above all else. Because of that he doesn't make any progress. Anderson is nuanced about it, finding a way in by being friendly. Some of them he kills with kindness. Anderson knows that authority won't get you far in this town while Ward assume his rank and office will coerce people.

Brad Dourif, Michael Rooker, Gene Hackman play Sheriff Pell, Frank Bailey, Agent Anderson

It seems like people in the vein of these cops are always looking for a group to subjugate. They always manage to find someone too. While they're racists, it's deeper than that. One of the cops abuses his wife because some people want to find someone weak. These cops are small people that want to find someone to hate, attack, and abuse. It's the only way to hide their own inequities. Even if the town where whites only, these cops would still find a group to persecute. People say politics are too divided currently, but back in the 60s there was a gulf between political parties.

Ward and Anderson get upset about the lack of progress and their differing approaches. They fight, but Ward finally relents and allows Anderson to enact a plan. Wile Ward doesn't like going outside the boundaries of the law, how else are you going to stop people that operate outside of the law; people impersonating what cops are supposed to be? It's a case where the ends justify the means. It's imperative to stop the corrupt cops, otherwise abuses of power and crimes against humanity will continue.